Are you a synth enthusiast who is looking to design your own Eurorack case?
Perhaps you have a specific size or style in mind, or maybe you just want to save some money by building it yourself.
Whatever your reason, designing your own Eurorack case can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to design your own Eurorack case, including choosing the right materials, measuring and cutting the pieces, and assembling the case. So, let’s dive in!
Your Own Rack, DIY Eurorack
Eurorack modular synthesizers are becoming increasingly popular among musicians and sound designers.
They offer a highly customizable and flexible approach to sound creation, with a vast array of modules that can be combined in various ways to create unique sounds.
One important element of a Eurorack setup is the case that holds the modules.
While there are plenty of pre-made options available for purchase, designing your own Eurorack case allows you to customize the size, shape, and style to fit your specific needs.
Plus, it’s a great DIY project for synth enthusiasts.
So, let’s get started with the steps to design your own Eurorack case.
Choosing the Right Materials
The first step in designing your own Eurorack case is to choose the right materials.
You’ll need to consider factors such as durability, weight, and aesthetics when selecting materials.
Here are some common materials used for Eurorack cases:
Wood: Wood is a popular choice for DIY Eurorack cases because it’s relatively easy to work with and has a warm, natural aesthetic. Common types of wood used for cases include birch plywood, oak, and walnut.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a durable and lightweight material that is often used for commercial Eurorack cases. It has a sleek, modern look and is available in various colors and finishes.
Acrylic: Acrylic is a transparent or translucent plastic that is often used for DIY Eurorack cases. It’s easy to work with and allows for interesting lighting effects, but it may not be as durable as other materials.
3D Printed Plastic: 3D printing technology allows for the creation of custom-designed plastic Eurorack cases. While this option may be more expensive than other materials, it allows for a high degree of customization.
Measuring and Cutting the Pieces
Once you’ve chosen your materials, the next step is to measure and cut the pieces for your Eurorack case. Here are the steps to follow:
Measure your modules: Measure the width and height of your Eurorack modules to determine the size of your case. Most Eurorack modules are 3U (5.25 inches) high and 1-2HP (0.2-0.4 inches) wide.
Determine the size of your case: Based on the size of your modules, determine the width and height of your case. A typical Eurorack case is 84HP wide and 3U high, but you can customize the size to fit your specific needs.
Cut the side panels: Cut two pieces of wood or acrylic to the height of your case and the depth of your modules. These will serve as the side panels of your case.
Cut the top and bottom panels: Cut two more pieces of wood or acrylic to the width of your case and the depth of your modules. These will serve as the top and bottom panels of your case.
Assembling
With all of your pieces cut to size, it’s time to assemble your Eurorack case. Here’s how:
Drill the holes: Use a drill to make holes in the side panels for mounting the rails that will hold your Eurorack modules. The holes should be evenly spaced and sized to fit the screws that come with your rails.
Mount the rails: Attach the rails to the side panels using screws and nuts. Make sure they are level and secure.
Attach the top and bottom panels: Attach the top and bottom panels to the side panels using screws and/or glue. Make sure they are flush with the edges of the side panels.
Finish the case: Sand and finish the edges of the case as desired. You can also add feet or other finishing touches.
FAQs
Q: Can I use metal for my Eurorack case?
A: Yes, aluminum is a popular material for commercial Eurorack cases, and you can certainly use it for a DIY case as well.
Q: How do I choose the right size for my Eurorack case?
A: Measure the width and height of your modules and use those dimensions to determine the size of your case. A typical Eurorack case is 84HP wide and 3U high, but you can customize the size to fit your specific needs.
Q: Do I need any special tools to build a Eurorack case?
A: You’ll need basic woodworking tools such as a saw, drill, and sandpaper. If you’re using acrylic or plastic, you may also need a heat gun or other tools for shaping.
Conclusion
Designing your own Eurorack case can be a fun and rewarding DIY project for synth enthusiasts.
By choosing the right materials, measuring and cutting the pieces, and assembling the case, you can create a customized and functional case for your Eurorack modules.
Whether you’re looking to save money, express your creativity, or just have fun, building your own Eurorack case is a great way to enhance your synth setup.